If you want to keep your baby safe, active and entertained then one of the best products you can buy is a baby swing. Baby swings are perfect for either keeping your little one engaged in something fun or for soothing them when they restless. Baby swings give parents time to catch up on household chores and also for brief respites during the day.

Buying a baby swing

Before buying a baby swing make yourself aware of the various features that will make your swing useful for both you and your infant.

Safety – A top priority for any parent is the safety of their baby and this certainly applies for a baby swing. Ensure the baby swing has a wide base and the centre of gravity is low. This will prevent the swing from tipping over if they lean too far in one direction. The swing should ideally have the minimum of a three-point harness to keep your baby securely fastened into the seat. Newborn babies can slip through a harness which has inadequate straps so go for a baby swing with a hip strap to stop them wriggling out.

Swing mechanism – A baby swing can be powered by batteries, through the mains or through a wind-up mechanism. The type you choose depends on your personal tastes. Wind up baby swings are less common these days as the winding mechanism can be noisy and doesn’t last too long making it difficult for your baby to have a long nap. The majority of baby swings are battery powered or a combination of battery and mains. These swings have more features such as speed settings and music.

If you opt for battery powered bear in mind that you’ll be replacing those batteries on a regular basis and so be prepared to factor that cost into your budget.

Fisher Price Baby Swing

Speed and sound settings – When it’s time for a nap your baby will need a slow gentle rocking motion with soothing music while babies with colic may require a more forceful speed. For times when baby is awake and playing, they may want to have a faster speed with some fun music. Give you and and your baby plenty of options by going for a baby swing with variable speeds, different rocking patterns and a selection of music.

Fisher Price Swing n rocker

Reclining – A newborn baby has little strength to hold their head up and can slouch forward if placed into an upright baby swing. Choose a swing that has a recline setting for newborns and an upright position for older babies. When in the recline position, your baby won’t be able to slouch and therefore their breathing won’t be restricted. Having a recline position is also beneficial for older babies when they fall asleep as you’ll be able to easily move them from sitting upright to laying down – just make sure the mechanism to change position is within easy reach so you don’t wake them.

Fisher Price Rainforest Recliner Swing

Open top – An open top baby swing makes it easy to lift your baby from the swing without the possibility of hitting their head on the upper bar.

Fisher Price Open Top Swing

Portability – If you’ll be moving your baby seat from room to room, plan on taking it with you during visits to friends and family or you’re going to need it on a short break then choose a swing that is portable. A simple folding mechanism and lightweight construction will make things easier for you when travelling.

Fisher Price Take Along Swing